Las Vegas Raiders LB Blake Martinez retires from soccer

HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Blake Martinez, who joined the staff simply over a month in the past, introduced his retirement on social media Thursday.

Martinez, 28, introduced his determination 4 days after main the Raiders with 11 tackles on this previous Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I had a tremendous journey with some unimaginable franchises, and made lifelong friendships,” Martinez wrote on Instagram. “I’ve chosen to step away from this profession right now to deal with my household and future passions! I’m excited for this new journey and respect all of the followers and organizations which have supported me all through the years!”

Martinez missed apply on Wednesday for what the Raiders described as private causes. The staff tweeted congratulations to Martinez, including, “Good luck in your new journey.”

Martinez’s retirement comes within the wake of the Raiders (2-6) putting a pair of Professional Bowl cross catchers — tight finish Darren Waller and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow — on injured reserve, and leaves Las Vegas short-handed at linebacker heading into Sunday’s house sport in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Raiders positioned linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) on IR on Monday, and Professional Bowler Denzel Perryman didn’t apply Wednesday on account of hip and ribs accidents whereas Darien Butler was restricted with a hip damage. Jayon Brown has not performed since Week 4 on account of a hamstring difficulty. The Raiders additionally waived sturdy security Johnathan Abram, a first-round decide in 2019, on Tuesday.

Martinez was a fourth-round decide of the Inexperienced Bay Packers in 2016 and spent the earlier two seasons with the New York Giants earlier than signing with the Raiders on Oct. 4. He began two of 4 video games for Las Vegas and had 20 tackles, together with 14 solo. In 84 profession video games, 78 begins, he had 13 profession sacks and 4 interceptions.

Martinez, who had a base wage of $1.035 million, is also an avid Pokémon card collector and, in response to a New York Publish report final week, he offered a uncommon Illustrator Pikachu card often known as “The Swirlustrator” from 1998 for $672,000, which might be the second-most costly Pokémon card ever offered. The cardboard had reportedly been valued for as a lot as $1.5 million just a few weeks prior.